Painesville factory fire put out nearly three days later

PAINESVILLE TOWNSHIP, OH (WOIO) - After nearly three days and millions of gallons of water, the factory fire at Hardy Industrial Technologies in Painesville is finally out.

The fire broke out back on Thursday morning.

Firefighters remained on scene to douse the hot spots that continued to flare up. At the height of the five-alarm blaze, plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles with flames and 22 different fire departments responded.

Chief Frank Whittaker of the Painesville Township Fire Dept. brought in high expansion foam and used it to fill the basement. The foam knocked out all the hot spots they couldn't reach by foot.

Now that the fire is out, investigators can begin sifting through the ashes. The investigation into the cause will start on Monday.

The Hardy Industrial plant uses vegetable oil, and fire officials believed that is what fueled the fire.

Officials say the structure is probably a total loss. Some machinery inside may be recoverable, but it is doubtful.